The New International Encyclopædia/Reuter, Paul Julius, Baron

REUTER, Paul Julius, Baron (1821-99). A pioneer in the business of news-gathering, born at Cassel, Germany. He was connected with the electric telegraph system from its earliest establishment in Europe, and was the first to organize a central bureau for the systematic collection and dissemination of telegraphic news. This office was opened at Aix-la-Chapelle in 1849. In 1851 he transferred his office to London. Reuter established agencies in all parts of the world to supply him with news; and, by using all available means of communication, and serving all papers impartially, he built up a noteworthy news service. In 1865 he transferred his business to a limited liability company, of which he was manager until 1878. In the same year he obtained from the Hanoverian Government a concession for the construction of a cable line between England and Germany. The title of baron was conferred upon him by the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1872.